Personally, starting strength training at 15 was one of the best decisions I ever made and that it has had one of the most significant impacts on my life as a whole, not just the weights' room. Over the last 10 years, working in the fitness industry, I have had the opportunity to work with 100s of people and have seen the huge benefits that a structured strength training program can bring not just physically but also mentally and, if you like, spiritually.
So, I asked my client group 'What is the one thing that strength training has given you that you weren't expecting?'. Here are three client responses:
Sarah
'The one thing it’s given me that I wasn’t expecting is a much greater benefit to my wellbeing. I can walk in after a tough day at work and feel like training is the last thing I want to do and 15 mins in I feel great.'
Sarah often refers to her training as therapy and, due to the nature of her work, she can often come in feeling drained and a little jaded. However, a few minutes into the warm up, after a laugh and joke, I can see the joy coming back into her face and I know she is getting ready to give it her all.
Sarah has been a member at JW Fitness for over 8 years and I can honestly say it has been a pleasure. Starting in 1-2-1 training and then transitioning to the semi PT groups, Sarah is now great inspiration to others that have the pleasure to train alongside her.
Wendy
'Self belief. I remember looking at you and your clients training and deadlifting what looked like really heavy weights and thinking there's no way I can do that...you proved me wrong John and I love it!'
Wendy has been with JW Fitness for 7 years and has been a great fit in the semi PT groups. Wendy is known for her one-liners and often has me in fits of laughter as well as the others that have the pleasure of training her. Wendy epitomises what JW Fitness is about. Having fun, enjoying your training, being the best part of your day and training to your 100% each time.
Wendy has gone from strength to strength and, as she has mentioned above, been able to achieve things that she never thought were going to be possible. It hasn’t been plain sailing for Wendy, with injuries and niggles, but we focus on what we can do over what we can’t. I have to say the pleasure is all mine being able to train Wendy and long may that pleasure continue.
Lee
'A complete change in mindset; I've now got the proof that with enough focus, hard work and commitment anything is possible. For me it was running a 10k, and also making a big career change.'
Confidence is an amazing thing and I believe the confidence that you can gain in your body will help the confidence of the mind and just spill out into all areas of your life. Lee hasn’t had it easy. He has a job that sees him travel a lot, making it harder on the road both training and nutritionally. The focus therefore is never on perfect but making it 1% better each time. Lee has achieved some absolutely incredible things in his 7 years at JW Fitness and I look forward to every single session with Lee to see what else he will pull out of the bag.
Before starting at JW Fitness, Lee was having a lot of problems with his knees. Our initial focus was on this and building the necessary strength. Then after a few months a decision was made to run the Manchester 10k. Lee knew it would take a lot of hard work but with a sensible approach to building up the runs and strength work and Lee had minimal problems with his knees in the run up and completed the 10k, getting the bug and booking straight onto his next 10k.
Training Lee always brings laughs but some pretty incredible self development conversations and I would say I have had the pleasure of learning a lot from Lee too.
Sometimes, I have to pinch myself for how lucky I am that I get to work with so many great people. I am so happy and proud to see the incredible transformations and amazing progress these guys make.
If you are trying to transition and make the changes or feel like this would be for you then contact us today.
If you have any questions on any of the above or if you feel this has helped you in some way feel free to give it a like and a share on Social media and feel free to reach out to me on Facebook at the following link.
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